Rapid Cycling or Mixed Episode?

I'm a bit confused on when you can pinpoint/say where you're at in this spectrum.  Up until a couple weeks ago I'd go between 8-11 days doing varily ok and then I'd be in a state of Hypomania for 24-48 hours with an immediate and sometimes very severe crash for another 24-48 hours.

Over the past couple of weeks - triggered by the holiday season I'm sure - I've been hitting highs and extreme lows on almost a daily basis...it's truly maddening for me.

According to the definitions I've read  the last couple of weeks seem like a mixed episode and prior to that may/may not be considered rapid cycling.  Any thoughts?

...and yes, I'm making an appt with my pdoc. :)  Thanks!

[bernie40]

Normally I'd be able to answer this question but for some reason today I feel like I have a mental block but I shall try anyway.

This sounds more like rapid cycling to me.  I've never been good at explaining mixed episodes but I think its when you are depressed at the same time as being high, hopefully someone else will be able to explain it better and with more description than i have.

I tend to rapid cycle by the hour or the day.  Other times I can go 3 or 4 days level and then have a week to a fortnight veering from one to the other.

[mcb27]

My situation is the same as both of you describe, ~ 20 years now.  My mixed episodes are 'feeling down' while energeticly trying to organize, accomplish, do more etc.   (Yes, I am also OCD).  I also am much more IRRITABLE in mixed than in just rapid cycling states.

I wish I could help more.  At least we know -- we are not alone!
Peace,
mcb27